Are you planning a Big Island family vacation? Find out where to stay on the Big Island with kids for your perfect Hawaii vacation!
This list of best places to stay on the Big Island with kids was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Trying to figure out where to stay on the Big Island with kids?
I totally get it.
The island is HUGE (twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined!), and picking the right spot can make or break your trip.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times since I was 10 years old, and I’ve stayed at a bunch of these properties with my own family.
So this isn’t just a list of hotels I found online. These are places where I’ve actually unpacked my suitcase, chased my kids around the pool, and figured out what works for families.
Want me to do all the planning for you? I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll create a custom itinerary based on your family’s specific needs.
Or grab my Big Island Travel Guide for detailed daily itineraries, restaurant recommendations, and all my insider tips.
Prefer audio? I walk through everything you need to know about planning a Big Island trip in my podcast episode How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island.
Should You Stay in Kona or Hilo?
Before we get into specific hotels, let’s talk location.
Kona (the west side) is where most families stay. It’s sunnier, has more resorts, and you’re close to tons of restaurants and activities. Think gorgeous sunsets, snorkeling with manta rays, and coffee farm tours.
Hilo (the east side) is quieter and more laid-back. It’s greener, rainier, and perfect if you want to explore waterfalls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Plus hotels tend to be more affordable here.
My take? If it’s your first Big Island trip, start with Kona. But Hilo has its own magic if you want something less touristy.
Need help deciding? Sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a Big Island trip and I’ll walk you through everything.
Best Places to Stay on the Big Island with Kids
1. Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
We stayed here and honestly, the location alone makes it worth it. You’re right at the end of Ali’i Drive in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona, so everything is walkable.
But here’s what I loved most: Ululani’s Shave Ice is right in the lobby. My kids were in heaven.
After a morning at the beach, we’d grab shave ice without even leaving the property. The coffee shop was also clutch for early morning caffeine before our adventures.
The hotel sits on this small, calm lagoon that’s perfect for kids who are still learning to swim. No big waves, just gentle water.
We walked to the Atlantis Submarine tour from here, which was seriously one of the coolest things we did on the Big Island.
The pool area is nice (nothing crazy fancy, but totally adequate), and the beach area with cabanas is lovely for just hanging out. Plus you’re steps from the pier and all the downtown Kona action.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
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2. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Okay, this one is EXPENSIVE. But if you’re celebrating something special or just want to go all out, Four Seasons Hualalai is the only Forbes Five Star resort on the Big Island for a reason.
The property sits on the northwest side surrounded by black lava landscapes and white sand beaches.
They have eight different swimming pools (yes, eight), including King’s Pond which is basically a massive 1.8 million gallon saltwater aquarium where you can snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles.
The kids’ program here is top-notch if you want some couple time, and the restaurants are incredible. The Jack Nicklaus golf course is gorgeous if you golf, and the spa is world-class.
This is where you go when you want your Big Island vacation to feel like a complete escape from reality.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
3. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
You might know this place as the Sheraton Kona. It’s been completely transformed with a $60 million renovation and rebranded as Outrigger.
The resort sits on the cliffs at Keauhou Bay, and here’s the cool part: you can watch manta rays feeding from the property.
The bay is one of the best spots on the island for manta ray viewing, and you don’t even have to get in the water.
The pool has a 200-foot water slide that my kids loved, and they offer tons of cultural activities like lei making, hula lessons, and ukulele classes. Their Feast & Fire luau gets great reviews too.
You’re about 10 minutes south of downtown Kona, so it’s a bit quieter than staying right in town. Perfect if you want easy access to Kona coffee farms (definitely do a tour while you’re here).
Check rates and availability on Expedia
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4. Royal Kona Resort
This is another property where we actually stayed, and I keep thinking about going back.
The location is PERFECT. You’re right on Ali’i Drive, so you can walk to a million restaurants and shops.
It’s literally next door to Huggo’s on the Rocks, which is hands down our favorite restaurant in Kona. (Seriously, get the fish tacos and sit with your feet in the sand.)
The pool area is great, and there’s this tiny beach that feels surprisingly private despite being right in town. It’s on one of the black sand beaches, which is pretty unique.
The resort recently completed a major renovation, so everything feels fresh.
One heads up: they’re still doing some renovation work on one tower (Lagoon Tower) through the end of 2025, but you can choose to stay in the other towers if you don’t want any construction noise.
The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious. It’s not trying to be the fanciest resort on the island, and that’s exactly what I liked about it.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
5. Fairmont Orchid
Okay, I’m just going to say it: this is my favorite place to stay on the Big Island.
The Fairmont Orchid has everything you’d expect from the Fairmont brand. The property sits on 32 oceanfront acres along the Kohala Coast, and it’s absolutely stunning.
White sand beach, gorgeous pools, lush gardens with waterfalls… it’s the whole package.
My son was obsessed with the shave ice stand and the pool area. I was obsessed with the restaurants (Brown’s Beach House is phenomenal) and the fact that they have an on-site luau that’s actually good.
Their Hawaiʻiloa Lūʻau happens every Saturday and it’s one of the better ones on the island.
The resort offers tons of cultural activities, tennis courts, a fantastic spa, and easy access to some incredible snorkeling in their protected cove. You’re also close to Hapuna Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii.
If you want a full-service resort experience where you can truly relax, this is it.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
Looking for activities while you’re here? I love booking tours through Viator or Get Your Guide because they often have great deals and you can read real reviews before booking.
6. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
If you’re staying in Hilo, this is definitely one of the nicest places. It’s a DoubleTree by Hilton, so if you have Hilton points, you can use them here.
We had a room with an awesome ocean view overlooking Hilo Bay, and it was so peaceful watching the waves. The property sits right on the water, super close to Coconut Island Park and just a couple miles from the Hilo Airport.
The resort has a pool, a 9-hole golf course (two free rounds per day for guests!), and two complimentary drink coupons each night. The on-site restaurant serves local Hawaiian cuisine, and there’s live hula music several nights a week.
Hilo puts you close to Rainbow Falls, the Hilo Farmers Market (go on Saturday for the full experience), and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about 30 miles away. The vibe here is way more local and less touristy than Kona.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
7. Volcano House
We’ve stayed at Volcano House twice, and both times were pretty epic. This place is totally unique because it’s the only hotel inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, literally perched on the rim of Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
Let me be real: this isn’t a luxury resort. The rooms are fairly basic (think historic national park lodge).
But the location is absolutely incredible. You can walk to viewpoints from your room, and waking up inside the park means you beat all the crowds.
Here’s what I’m obsessed with: the restaurants at Volcano House are seriously good. Way better than you’d expect from a national park hotel. And you can’t beat the view while you’re eating.
On clear days, you’re looking right into the crater.
They have 33 guest rooms, plus camper cabins if you want something more rustic. Book early because this place fills up fast.
If you’re planning to spend a full day or two exploring the park (which you should), staying here makes so much sense. Check out my complete guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for everything you need to know.
8. Hilton Waikoloa Village
This place is MASSIVE and totally geared toward families. We’re talking multiple pools (including a kids’ pool with a water slide), a lazy river, dolphins on property, and even a tram and boats to get around the 62-acre resort.
The Hilton Waikoloa has a private beach area, tons of restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts, and about a million activities for kids. It’s the kind of place where you could literally stay on the property for your entire vacation and never get bored.
They have suites with private outdoor hot tubs if you want to splurge, and the pools stay open 24 hours. The location on the Kohala Coast gives you access to some beautiful beaches nearby too.
Fair warning: because it’s so big, you’ll be doing a lot of walking (or taking the tram). But kids usually think that’s part of the adventure.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
9. Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
The Westin Hapuna sits right on Hapuna Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the entire country. Seriously, this beach is STUNNING. Crystal clear water, soft white sand, and usually pretty calm for swimming.
The resort has a modern vibe with great pools, multiple restaurants, and the 18-hole Hapuna Golf Course right there if you golf. They’re also close to Spencer Beach Park, which is another fantastic family beach.
You’re on the northwest side of the island, so you’re a bit of a drive from Kona but in a quieter, more upscale area. Perfect if you want easy beach access without being in the middle of the Kona tourist scene.
Check rates and availability on Expedia
A Few More Big Island Planning Resources
Still feeling overwhelmed? I’ve got you covered:
Free Email Courses:
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (5 days of money-saving tips)
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (my best insider tips)
- How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island (complete 7-day planning guide)
More Big Island Resources:
- Best Things to Do in Kona
- Best Beaches on the Big Island for Kids
- Best Big Island Luaus
- 10 Things to Know BEFORE Planning a Big Island Vacation
My Final Take on Where to Stay
Look, there’s no single “best” hotel on the Big Island. It really depends on what matters most to your family.
Want to be in the middle of everything? Go with Courtyard King Kamehameha’s or Royal Kona Resort in Kona.
Want luxury and don’t mind spending more? Four Seasons Hualalai or Fairmont Orchid are worth every penny.
Want a unique experience? Stay at Volcano House inside the national park.
Want a big resort with tons of activities? Hilton Waikoloa Village or Outrigger Kona.
And honestly? The Big Island is amazing no matter where you stay.
As a professional tourist who’s been visiting Hawaii for over 30 years, I can tell you that picking the right location and property will just make your trip even better.
Need personalized help? Book a consultation with me and I’ll help you figure out the perfect Big Island itinerary for your family.
I’ll take into account your kids’ ages, your budget, what you want to do, and create a custom plan just for you.
Have questions about staying on the Big Island with kids? You can also join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group where thousands of families share tips and advice!
Looking for more Big Island Travel Resources? Find out what to know before your Big Island vacation, where to find an affordable Kona family photographer, should you rent a pool cabana, the best Big Island luaus, things to do in Kona, and things to do in Hilo!
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!
